Proverbs 15
Proverbs on the Power of Words
1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. Judgment: Proverbs 15:18. Parallel theme: Proverbs 10:12, 25:15, 28:25, 29:22
2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. Parallel theme: Proverbs 12:23, 13:16, 15:28
3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. References Lord: Proverbs 5:21, 2 Chronicles 16:9, Jeremiah 23:24. Parallel theme: Job 31:4, Jeremiah 16:17, 32:19, Hebrews 4:13 +2
4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. Spirit: Proverbs 18:14, Revelation 2:7. Parallel theme: Proverbs 3:18, 12:18, 16:24, 18:8, 26:22, Psalms 109:22, Malachi 4:2, 1 Timothy 6:3 +5
5 A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent. Parallel theme: Proverbs 13:1, 13:18, 19:20, 1 Chronicles 28:9, 28:20, Titus 1:13, 2:15 +2
6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. Righteousness: Proverbs 13:22, 16:8, Psalms 37:16, 112:3. Parallel theme: Proverbs 8:21, 10:22, 15:16, 21:20, Ecclesiastes 4:6, Hebrews 11:26 +5
7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so. Parallel theme: Matthew 12:34
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight. Prayer: Proverbs 15:29, 28:9, Psalms 17:1. Sacrifice: Proverbs 21:27, Ecclesiastes 5:1, Isaiah 61:8, 66:3, Jeremiah 6:20. Parallel theme: 1 Chronicles 29:17, John 4:24 +5
9 The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORDLord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai). When 'LORD' appears in small capitals, it represents the Tetragrammaton YHWH (יְהוָה), God's personal covenant name meaning 'I AM.' When 'Lord' appears normally, it's Adonai (אֲדֹנָי), meaning 'my Lord,' emphasizing sovereignty.: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness. References Lord: Hosea 6:3. Love: 1 Timothy 6:11. Righteousness: Proverbs 21:21, Habakkuk 1:13. Parallel theme: Jeremiah 44:4, Matthew 7:13
10 Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. Parallel theme: Proverbs 5:12, 10:17, 12:1, 13:1, John 3:20, 7:7
11 Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men? References Lord: Jeremiah 17:10. Parallel theme: Proverbs 27:20, 2 Chronicles 6:30, Job 26:6, Psalms 7:9, 44:21, 139:8, Hebrews 4:13, Revelation 1:18, 2:23 +5
12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise. Parallel theme: Job 21:14, Amos 5:10
13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spiritSpirit: רוּחַ (Ruach). The Hebrew ruach (רוּחַ) means spirit, wind, or breath—invisible but powerful. It describes both the Holy Spirit and the human spirit. God's Spirit gives life and empowers His people. is broken. Spirit: Proverbs 17:22, 18:14. Parallel theme: Proverbs 12:25, 15:15, Nehemiah 2:2, John 14:1, 2 Corinthians 1:12, 2:7, 7:10 +4
14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. Parallel theme: Proverbs 9:9, 18:15, Isaiah 30:10, Acts 17:11, 2 Peter 3:18
15 All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. Parallel theme: Proverbs 15:13, 17:22, Romans 5:11, 12:12, 2 Corinthians 6:10
16 Better is little with the fear of the LORDLord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai). When 'LORD' appears in small capitals, it represents the Tetragrammaton YHWH (יְהוָה), God's personal covenant name meaning 'I AM.' When 'Lord' appears normally, it's Adonai (אֲדֹנָי), meaning 'my Lord,' emphasizing sovereignty. than great treasure and trouble therewith. References Lord: Proverbs 10:22. Parallel theme: Proverbs 16:8, 28:6, Psalms 37:16, 1 Timothy 6:6
17 Better is a dinner of herbs where loveLove: אַהֲבָה / חֶסֶד (Ahavah / Chesed). Hebrew uses ahavah (אַהֲבָה) for love generally, but the covenant term chesed (חֶסֶד) describes God's steadfast, loyal love—faithful covenant commitment beyond mere emotion. is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. Parallel theme: Proverbs 17:1, 21:19
18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. Judgment: Proverbs 14:29, 15:1. Parallel theme: Proverbs 10:12, 16:28, 25:15, 26:21, 28:25, 29:22, Ecclesiastes 10:4, Matthew 5:9 +5
19 The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain. Parallel theme: Proverbs 8:9, 22:5, 22:13, 26:13, Psalms 27:11, Isaiah 30:21, 35:8 +2
20 A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother. Parallel theme: Proverbs 10:1, 23:22, 29:3, Leviticus 19:3, 1 Kings 1:48, 5:7
21 Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly. Parallel theme: Proverbs 10:23, 11:12, 14:9, 14:16, Job 28:28, Psalms 111:10, Ephesians 5:15, James 3:13 +3
22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. Parallel theme: Proverbs 11:14, 20:18
23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it! Word: Isaiah 50:4. Good: Proverbs 12:14, Ephesians 4:29. Parallel theme: Proverbs 16:13, 24:26, Ecclesiastes 3:1
24 The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath. Parallel theme: Proverbs 2:18, 5:5, 6:23, 7:27, 23:14, Psalms 16:11, Jeremiah 21:8, Matthew 7:14, John 14:6, Philippians 3:20 +5
25 The LORDLord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai). When 'LORD' appears in small capitals, it represents the Tetragrammaton YHWH (יְהוָה), God's personal covenant name meaning 'I AM.' When 'Lord' appears normally, it's Adonai (אֲדֹנָי), meaning 'my Lord,' emphasizing sovereignty. will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow. References Lord: Psalms 138:6, 146:9, Isaiah 2:12. Parallel theme: Proverbs 12:7, 14:11, 23:10, Daniel 5:20, James 1:27 +3
26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words. Word: Proverbs 15:23, Psalms 19:14. Evil: Jeremiah 4:14
27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live. Parallel theme: Proverbs 1:19, 11:29, 28:16, Exodus 18:21, 23:8, Deuteronomy 16:19, Joshua 6:18, 2 Kings 5:27, Jeremiah 17:11 +4
28 The heart of the righteousRighteous: צַדִּיק (Tzaddik). The Hebrew tzaddik (צַדִּיק) describes one who is righteous, just, or lawful—conforming to God's standard. From the root tzedek (צֶדֶק), meaning righteousness or justice. studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. Evil: Matthew 12:34. Parallel theme: Proverbs 10:19, 13:16, 15:2, 16:23, 29:11, 29:20, Ecclesiastes 5:2, 5:6, 1 Peter 3:15 +5
29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. References Lord: Psalms 10:1, 138:6. Prayer: Proverbs 15:8. Righteousness: Matthew 25:46, 1 Peter 3:12. Parallel theme: John 9:31
30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat. Good: Proverbs 17:22, 25:25. Light: Proverbs 13:9, Ezra 9:8, Psalms 89:15, Ecclesiastes 11:7, Revelation 21:23, 22:5. Parallel theme: Isaiah 58:11 +4
31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. Parallel theme: Proverbs 1:23, 13:20, 15:5, 19:20, 25:12
32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. Parallel theme: Proverbs 1:7, 18:15, Isaiah 1:5, Revelation 3:19
33 The fear of the LORDLord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai). When 'LORD' appears in small capitals, it represents the Tetragrammaton YHWH (יְהוָה), God's personal covenant name meaning 'I AM.' When 'Lord' appears normally, it's Adonai (אֲדֹנָי), meaning 'my Lord,' emphasizing sovereignty. is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility. References Lord: Proverbs 1:7, 8:13, Job 28:28, Psalms 34:11, 111:10, James 4:10. Parallel theme: Proverbs 18:12, 29:23, Luke 14:11, 1 Peter 5:5 +5